Thanks for the pics Robin chetta.
As you said, english education was started in Kerala in this seminary (I knew that it was in some seminary in Kottayam but didn' know that it was this one until you posted this pic), but was restricted as a centre of learning for the church priests only. Later, in the year 1817, CMS college in Kottayam was started with Benjamin Bailey as the principal, and thereafter, the college was opened to all sections.

The older name of the college was 'College Cotym' ( Cotym is the anglisized form of Kottayam).

At present, CMS college Kottayam is the oldest existing/functioning educational institution in India (Correct me if I'm wrong), and the first college in Kerala.

The college is famous for its serene and green campus and has become one of the favourite haunts of malayalam film makers, where most of the campus related movies were/have been/are being shot (2006 hit movie 'Classmates' , the upcoming movies Calendar and Body guard etc.)

English education started in this Seminary and was restricted only to those who seek theological education. Later it was shifted to CMS college and education was opened for all. Then CMS college came to be called new Seminary and this one [Orthodox Theological Seminary] as old seminary. Yes you are right, CMS college is infact the first secular college in Kerala.

St. Francis church was built in 1503. It is the oldest European church in India and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon.